A study on the challenges faced by urban authorities in opening up and maintenance of roads in sprawl areas

Abstract

Urban sprawl is a common phenomenon associated with most towns in many parts of the world. Thus, Ugandan towns are not unique in this respect. The dissertation therefore sets out to investigate challenges faced by urban authorities in opening up and maintenance of roads in sprawl areas, case study of Nsangi, Kyengera Town Council. The study also goes further to identify any other types of development which contribute to the explanation of the present mixed pattern of development within the Nsangi parish. Having analyzed these aspects, the study comes out with planning proposals in form of recommendations for the whole study area. The study area has a total population of 14408 people according to 2014 Uganda Population Census. The major source of information in writing the dissertation was that obtained through field surveys carried out in the study area. Surveys involved interviewing people using a designed questionnaire. Informal interviews were also conducted. More information was obtained from government offices in Uganda. In treating the issue of urban sprawl, the general problems associated with it, are examined. The study stresses that in dealing with urban sprawl areas, consideration has to be given to the towns where this sprawl is originating. Similarly, the issue of urban sprawl is viewed in relation with the urgency of planning for this town. While the study aims at discouraging urban development within Nsangi at this stage, it is felt that the area should be planned. In Identifying urban sprawl areas the following selected indicators are used; population growth rates and densities, commuter patterns places of work, Employment types in the area, occurrence of urban settlements and intensity of use of electricity. The study reveals that urban Sprawl influence from Kampala exists in the first few towns immediately adjacent to the city and due to the influx of developments most of which are illegal thus challenging on the side of the authorities in opening up and maintenance of roads in sprawl areas, therefore different recommendations are put forward to help come up with measures in combating these challenges.